MCE: How many BSB rounds have you been to David - I hear it's quite a few?
DL: This year I've been to every round apart from Knockhill. I sponsor Graeme Gowland in the Supersport and I get passes for the whole season as part of the deal. My partner Sam and I love it - we sacked off our summer holiday to follow the BSB instead. It's great - this way we go on holiday every month!

MCE: And you've been making the most of your Club MCE membership too..?
DL: Being part of Club MCE has made the whole thing incredible - we've done all sorts already. Having so much access to the pits and the grid has been amazing. What's more, the people working for MCE are always dead helpful and friendly - we get on really well with them. Colin's a great laugh! [He is, it's true]

MCE: Why did you first come to MCE?
DL: Actually I signed up at Oulton Park last year. The MCE policy had a lot of the extras that I wanted, like breakdown cover, which the others didn't. I've never had any problems and the team is always really friendly. With all the Club MCE benefits I can't really see myself switching!

MCE: So what benefits have you been enjoying? Tell us what it feels like to get on the grid...
DL: Well, like I said I've done all sorts. I went in the safety car when I was at Oulton Park, which was pretty cool, but my favourite is doing the grid walks and getting into the pits. Sam always comes with me and we take loads of pictures. Some of the riders recognise us now, they're all really friendly - especially Chris Walker. He's Sam's favourite!

MCE: Not just Sam's favourite, I'd wager. He's got a hell of a lot of support from the BSB fans - and it's easy to see why. He's a living legend!
DL: Yeah, he's a great guy. They're all pretty focussed when they're lining up on the grid but when you see them in the pits most of them are relaxed and more than happy to talk to you. That's one of the reasons why I love the MCE BSB so much!

MCE: Do you take the bike?
DL: Not usually. Sam's quite happy to go on the back but this year we've been going for the whole weekend, so we prefer to go by car to get all our stuff in. To be honest, the Z1000 hasn't been out much at all!

MCE: Where do you normally use it when you do take it out?
DL: Well, there are quite a few good roads around Derby so it depends how I'm feeling, but we do like to go to the MFN when we get the chance. It's a pub to the North West of Nottingham that has bikers' nights on Mondays and Wednesdays. It's always a good laugh. Having said that, this year, with so many BSB events to get to, the bike racing is taking up most of our free time.

MCE: Have you been watching any of the World Superbikes on TV? The British lads are doing pretty well.
DL: Yeah - I went to Silverstone. Crutchlow had a great weekend… Mind you, it's about time! To be honest though, I'm more into the BSB - not least because I'm so near to some of the circuits - Mallory and Silverstone are pretty close and Donnington, if and when it comes back, is only ten minutes away.

MCE: What about BSB riders - who's your money on?
DL: Well, I'd love to see Chris Walker taking some podiums but Kiyonari seems to be doing the business at the moment. It's weird - he's great in the BSB but when he went up to the WSB he was cr*p!

MCE: It's hard to explain that one - I guess some riders are just better suited to certain championships - or perhaps it's also partly down to the circuits?
DL: It could be - some of the circuits on the BSB calendar are very different. Cadwell Park is really narrow, with some incredible steep banks and hills. I got selected to walk the track with Michael Laverty of Relentless Suzuki as one of my Club MCE experiences and I couldn't believe how different it was to how it looked on TV! The TV makes each circuit look flat and makes the bikes look slower but it's so much better in the real and it's great to go round with someone who knows what they're doing. On the MCE 'walk the track' we got all sorts of riding tips. It's incredible to hear how they ride and how fast they're going!!

MCE: I haven't had a chance to do the walk the track yet, although I'm hoping to do a pillion lap at Cadwell. I've spoken to a few people who've done it and they say it's terrifying but fantastic! Which is your favourite circuit?
DL: I think it would have to be Oulton - it's a great place to watch. I don't like to be in one place for too long so I tend to wander around. That's why I love MCE's priority pit walk. It's great to get in there before anyone else and when there aren't too many people about the riders are able to spend more time chatting to you. My missus has a nice collection of photos and autographs. She's not a bike owner herself but she loves it just as much as I do. You guys at MCE are always really good to her too.

MCE: I'm pleased to hear it! So David, before we run out of space, is there anyone else you'd like to mention or anything you'd like to say about the BSB or biking in general?
DL: Not really, other than saying a big thank you to MCE - you've always made Sam and me feel really welcome and the whole season so far has been brilliant. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store!!